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If you live near the ocean and experience earthquakes, then you are also at risk for tsunamis, a series of large waves generated by earthquake-induced movement on the ocean floor. It is important for you to be well informed so you can prepare accordingly in case disaster strikes. This guide will provide you with tips on how to survive a tsunami.
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Introduction
- Do you live in a coastal area that is prone to earthquakes? If so, you are familiar with the damage they can leave in their wake. This destruction is not only felt on land, however, but also at sea. Earthquakes, as well as underwater landslides, have the ability to produce a series of ocean waves that can reach up to 100 feet high. These waves, known as tsunamis, can strike at any time of the year, but usually occur following movement produced by an earthquake. For those that live in areas at risk for a Tsunami, it is important to be prepared. This guide will provide you with information on how to survive a tsunami.
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Step 1: Are You at Risk for a Tsunami?
- For anyone living in a coastal lying city or town, it is important to be informed about the likelihood of a tsunami occurring in your area. You can do this by contacting the local Red Cross or a similar disaster relief organization. Some places that are at risk for a tsunami include coastal cities in:
- Oregon
- California
- Alaska
- Washington
- British Columbia
- It is a good idea to check the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center for information regarding tsunami warnings in your area. You can have them e-mail you alerts in case disaster strikes..
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Step 2: Plan Ahead
- The key to surviving when a tsunami hits is to be prepared. If you are traveling to an area where there are tsunamis, you should speak to someone where you are staying to find out what you should do if one occurs. Otherwise, for those living in at risk locations, you should:
- Plan an evacuation route. The idea is to evacuate to a place that is at least 100 feet above sea level or two miles inland. You want to be able to reach it by foot within 15 minutes. Plan routes from your home, workplace, school or anywhere else you may be that is at risk for tsunamis.
- Practice your evacuation route
- If possible, designate a meeting place for your family to go should you all become separated
- Always listen to the radio and television for tsunami alerts
- Make sure you have a disaster supply kit on hand
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Step 3: Evacuate
- Get to know all the tsunami related alerts and the seriousness attributed to each. Then, when the call goes out you can implement your evacuation plan, which means taking your disaster supply kit and going to your pre-designated evacuation place as quickly as possible. These alerts include:
- Tsunami warnings. If you are in an area where a warning has been issued, it is advisable that you evacuate as soon as possible. Warnings indicate a tsunami has already formed or has the strong potential to, and the issued area is at risk for damage.
- Tsunami watches. These also indicate a tsunami may form and has already been generated, but the potential tsunami is not expected in the alerted area for at least two hours.
- Advisories are usually put out when an earthquake occurs that has the potential to cause a tsunami.
- Even if an alert has not gone out, if you experience a strong earthquake that lasts at least 20 seconds, the possibility for a tsunami exists. Also, if you notice coastal waters beginning to rise and fall rapidly, you should stand guard and consider putting your evacuation plan into action.
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Conclusion
Tsunamis are a series of dangerous waves that are generated when an earthquake reaching above a 6.5 on the richter scale causes a shift on the ocean floor. If you live in a place that is at risk for a tsunami, it is important that you are prepared and are able to implement a survival plan.
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